In Athens, GA, beyond the legendary Georgia Bulldogs, there are two other names locals know well: Little Italy Pizza and rising rap star, Kxng Blanco.

Little Italy, a New York–style pizzeria founded in 1991, has long been the go-to late-night spot for students and creatives alike. Meanwhile, Kxng Blanco—just 25 years old—has been dominating Athens’ music scene since the age of 17. Dubbed the “Kxng of the Youth” early in his career, Blanco is now ready to step beyond his city’s borders, building what many see as one of the most prolific careers to come out of Athens.

On Tuesday, September 30th, Blanco is teaming up with local nonprofit Chess and Community for a one-of-a-kind mixer at Little Italy Pizza. The organization provides safe spaces where people of all ages can learn life lessons through the strategy of chess. This unique event will blend music, community, and chess in a way Athens hasn’t seen before.

I sat down with my longtime friend and collaborator, Kxng Blanco, to talk about the event, his music, and yes—even pizza.

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Do you play chess?

Kxng Blanco:
Nah, I was never really into it as a kid. I was taught to play checkers, and that was cool for about a summer. But I’ve always respected the thinking and plotting it takes to be good at chess. You can definitely apply it to real life.

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I’ve known you for years and seen the movement firsthand, but I don’t think I’ve ever asked you: where did “Kxng of the Youth” come from?

Kxng Blanco:
It was a name given to me early in my career when the city recognized how young I was doing the same things the vets were doing—while also having influence on people my age. I don’t really throw the name around anymore now that I’m in my 20s, but it’s dope that it still sticks with me around the city.

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Community outreach and mentoring youth is clearly important to you. Do you ever see yourself having kids one day?

Kxng Blanco:
I feel like everybody in my profession wants to have a family one day. But I’m cautious about who I start a family with and how. Honestly, it’s not a priority right now—my career is my child. The fact that I can still influence kids without being a parent is a luxury I can’t and don’t take for granted.

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On the pizza tip—I know you were just in New York. Is the pizza overrated, or did it live up to the hype?

Kxng Blanco:
New York pizza is not overrated. I definitely recommend it on a first visit just for the vibe, but it’s not my go-to food every time I’m there. I’d give it an 8.3 out of 10.

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What’s your go-to pizza order?

Kxng Blanco:
I like at least two or three toppings. My go-to would be thin crust with extra mozzarella, pepperoni, and bacon, topped with spinach.

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You recently dropped new music. Tell us about it.

Kxng Blanco:
Yeah, my latest single “Fye” is out now on all platforms. It’s high energy—OG Blanco fans would eat it up live, but it’s also a great intro song for people who don’t know me yet. I worked on it with multiplatinum producer Icy Chill Out. We’ve got a music video in the works and more collabs coming soon.

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How does it feel to collaborate with Little Italy Pizza to give back to the community?

Kxng Blanco:
It’s a blessing, seriously. Being able to give back and put food in the community will always be special to me. I don’t remember rappers doing things like that around here when I was growing up. The fact that a place like Little Italy is behind me just puts the icing on the cake. It was one of the first pizza spots outside of the big franchises that I really loved as a kid.

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If you’re in Athens, don’t miss Chess & Pizza with Kxng Blanco on Tuesday, September 30th at Little Italy Pizza.

👉 Click here to RSVP

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